2. There are 3 major parts of the ocean: Continental Shelf-is the outward extension of land from the continental landmasses, covered by relatively shallow water. Continental Slope-is the area between the offshore shallows out to where the continental shelf dips steeply to the sea floor. Ocean Floor-The ocean floor is the very bottom of an ocean basin
3. Continental Shelf Is a shallow submarine plain of varying width forming a border to a continent and typically ending in a comparatively steep slope to the deep ocean floor. Many species, from fishes to invertebrates, live on the surface of, or buried in, the soft sediments. These animals have adapted to the continuous shifting of sediments by ocean currents. Species that thrive in this environment include clams, sea pens, Dungeness crabs and flatfishes such as California halibut and English sole.
4. Continental Slope The deep waters of the Continental Slope are characterized by nearly freezing temperatures, extremely low light conditions, and very high pressures. Because of the cold, organisms that live at these depths have slower metabolisms—they eat less frequently, are slower in digesting their food, and move and grow more slowly. The most common fish in the Continental Slope are Rockfish and Thorny Heads.
5. Ocean Floor Is the lowest part of the ocean The ocean floor is home to a variety of plants and animals. Most of the deep ocean floor has few life forms, however around geothermal vents there is an abundance of sea life. Clams, spider crabs, mussels, and tube worms are just some of the animals scientists have discovered.
6. Review Continental Shelf-is the outward extension of land from the continental landmasses, covered by relatively shallow water. Continental Slope-is the area between the offshore shallows out to where the continental shelf dips steeply to the sea floor. Ocean Floor-The ocean floor is the very bottom of an ocean basin
